World Rally Championship & other rallying 2017

h3000

The World Rally Championship is set to kick off in Monte Carlo on 20th of January and I'm really excited. There are some big changes for 2017 in technical regulations, rally regulations and team/driver lineups.

In early November Volkswagen Motorsport shockingly announced that it was to pull out of the WRC at the end of the 2016 season. Another victim of the dieselgate saga, although VW said they want to focus the development of electric racing.

Toyota are set to rejoin the WRC with the development of the Yaris WRC. The Team Toyota GAZOO Racing will be run by Tommi Mäkinen and will have Jari-Matti Latvala and Juho Hänninen driving for 2017 with Esapekka Lappi testing and hopefully doing a few rounds in a third car later in the year.


M-Sport have Sebastien Ogier as their lead driver for 2017. He will be joined by Ott Tanak and a third car is expected to be announced. I really think and hope they could have a good chance of both championships next year. Well I want the Irish boys in Citroen to win too
[URL="https://us.v-cdn.net/6034073/uploads/attachments/70888/403918.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

Citroen will have a three car team later in the year. Northern Ireland's Kris Meeke will be the lead driver for Citroen and he will be joined by Craig Breen & Stephane Lefebvre. Breen & Lefebvre will share a car for the first few rallies then will have a car each. A fourth car is expected to see some outings driven by Sheikh Khalid Al-Qassimi.
There are no official images of the 2017 Citroen yet


Hyundai are staying with the same line up as last year with Neuville, Paddon and Sordo.


D-Mack are expected to announce Elfyn Evans soon as their driver. There are talks of a second car for the D-Mack team too, it could be driven by Ostberg or Mikkelsen.

There were some rumors about Nasser Al-Attiyah setting up a Qatar World Rally Team using the 2017 VW Polos but it's not looking too promising right now. VW have said that if a private team funds the program they will homologate the car and run it in 2017. It's expected to cost about €15m. Along with Al-Attiyah both Ostberg and Mikkelsen are rumored to be the potential drivers.

The rules regarding the running order have changed too. In 2017, world rally car drivers will start only the opening day in their championship positions, before switching to reverse classification order for the last two.

The FIA also revealed details of a new WRC Trophy, created for drivers of pre-2017 specification WRC cars. Competitors will score points on a maximum of seven rallies, with the best six results counting towards driver and co-driver titles.

The 2017 cars will have more power (about 380 BHP & 330ft-lb), more aero, an active centre differential and the minimum weight is 25kg lighter. Full regs can be seen here.


Red Bull TV will also broadcast a lot of WRC coverage next year. It's also free of charge. Hopefully this will get more people watching the WRC.
https://www.redbullcontentpool.com/international/AP-1QF9CG7Z11W11?linkId=32373844
http://www.wrc.com/en/wrc/news/december-2016/red-bull-tv/page/4138--12-12-.html



Line ups so far
Constructor Team Drivers Co-drivers Rounds
Citroën (Citroën C3 WRC) Citroën World Rally Team Khalid Al Qassimi TBA TBA
Citroën (Citroën C3 WRC) Citroën World Rally Team Craig Breen Scott Martin TBA
Citroën (Citroën C3 WRC) Citroën World Rally Team Stéphane Lefebvre TBA TBA
Citroën (Citroën C3 WRC) Citroën World Rally Team Kris Meeke Paul Nagle ALL
Hyundai (Hyundai i20 Coupe WRC) Hyundai World Rally Team Thierry Neuville Nicolas Gilsoul ALL
Hyundai (Hyundai i20 Coupe WRC) Hyundai World Rally Team Hayden Paddon John Kennard ALL
Hyundai (Hyundai i20 Coupe WRC) Hyundai World Rally Team Dani Sordo TBA ALL
M-Sport (Ford Fiesta RS WRC) M-Sport World Rally Team Sébastien Ogier Julien Ingrassia ALL
M-Sport (Ford Fiesta RS WRC) M-Sport World Rally Team Ott Tänak Martin Järveoja ALL
Toyota (Toyota Yaris WRC) Toyota GAZOO Racing Juho Hänninen Kaj Lindström ALL
Toyota (Toyota Yaris WRC) Toyota GAZOO Racing Jari-Matti Latvala Miikka Anttila ALL
Toyota (Toyota Yaris WRC) Toyota GAZOO Racing Esapekka Lappi Janne Ferm TBA









Sorry for rambling on too much.




.

h3000

Some testing videos for 2017/Monte

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qd6UsRY5bZ8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kbwVWSlKUnA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LNSOxJWMdJ4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHBWXFPYgkE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qzZt0xHqeFc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=unKcBvhQegI

h3000

Mikkelsen offically in a Fabia R5 for Monte. No solid plans for 2017. Such a shame he can't get a 2017 WRC car.
https://twitter.com/AMikkelsenRally/status/811167742116200448
https://www.andreasmikkelsen.no/news/andreas-mikkelsen-to-drive-at-rally-monte-carlo/

Andreas Mikkelsen wrote:

https://www.andreasmikkelsen.no/news/andreas-mikkelsen-to-drive-at-rally-monte-carlo/
Andreas Mikkelsen to drive at Rally Monte-Carlo

Andreas Mikkelsen have not given up the plan to be worldchampion, although Volkswagen Motorsport has withdrawn from the FIA World Rally Championship. Now he has his eyes on the future and the goal is to get in a good position for a works drive in a WRC team in 2018. The road towards that starts already at Rally Monte Carlo in January, where he will be driving for Skoda Motorsport.

After a brilliant season in 2016, where he won two WRC rounds and secured his third strong bronze medal in the championship, Norway’s leading rally driver Andreas Mikkelsen found himself in quite a special situation when Volkswagen Motorsport chose to end their rally commitment.

“The consequence of Volkswagen withdrawing from the championship is that all the WRC seats were already taken. Therefore, my 2017 season will be all about keeping my rally-overall warm and finding a seat in the right team to be able to fight for the WRC champion title in 2018. We don’t know what the upcoming season will bring yet. But of course I hope to get to drive as much as possible and we are working on a plan to do selected rallies” said Andreas, who will compete already at Rally Monte Carlo in January in a Skoda Fabia R5 for Skoda Motorsport in the WRC2. What happens after that event is still uncertain, but EVEN Management focuses on a programme where Andreas and co-driver Anders Jæger will compete at several WRC rounds during 2017.

Manager Erik Veiby admits that it came as a surprise when Volkswagen Motorsport decided to pull out of the WRC. It turned their plans for the upcoming year completely upside down.

“To be here without a seat for Andreas is a little surreal. We are talking about the driver who beat the world champion at the last event in Australia and who has been third in the championship for three years in a row. Looking at 2016, only Sebastien Ogier, Kris Meeke and Andreas won two or more WRC rounds. Our goal was for Andreas to take the world champion title in 2017. We still believe that he will be world champion, but now we have to pospone those plans until 2018” said Veiby.

Even if there won’t be a full WRC season, Andreas looks forward to driving for Skoda in Monte Carlo.

“It feels a bit like coming home. It was Skoda that gave me a chance in the beginning and together we got to celebrate two champion titles in the IRC championship, which gave me the opportunity to drive for Volkswagen Motorsport. Now that the situation is like it is, I think it will be fun to compete for Skoda again. We have many good memories” said the 27-year-old.

“I hope we manage to give Skoda the results they want in Monte Carlo. It is a difficult rally, but I’ve had good results there before. This year we finished second and it was also Anders’ (Jæger) first WRC round in a WRC car. So we were definitely left with a nice feeling from the event – even though it might be the most difficult rally in the WRC” said Andreas.

h3000

https://twitter.com/paddocknews/status/811197058359160833

h3000

Citröen launch is live today

https://twitter.com/CitroenRacing/status/811319595294408704

flazio

The problem with rallying today in my opinion is that the road going versions of these cars are so dull it's hard to capture imagination.
Back in the day, Subaru Imprezas, Mitsubishi Evos, Audi Quattros and Lancia Deltas were cool to own.
These days it's Hyundai, Yaris, Citroens and Polos.

h3000

And here's the Citroen
https://twitter.com/RallySweden/status/811595910845267973

h3000

flazio wrote: »

The problem with rallying today in my opinion is that the road going versions of these cars are so dull it's hard to capture imagination.
Back in the day, Subaru Imprezas, Mitsubishi Evos, Audi Quattros and Lancia Deltas were cool to own.
These days it's Hyundai, Yaris, Citroens and Polos.

That certainly is a problem but I think the main problem is lack of good TV coverage. It's a hard sport to access unless your already a big fan. They need to come up with a few ideas to attract new fans.

Autosport

I really like the spoiler on the Citroen

h3000

Autosport wrote: »

I really like the spoiler on the Citroen

I think the C3 will be the quickest car, I hope it will be the Fiesta but I think Citroen will do it.

h3000

Red Bull M-Sport Fiesta. Good Christmas
https://twitter.com/MSportLtd/status/812960051824627712

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Q10OjMEaJc

h3000

Looks like Red Bull sponsorship is for Ogier only.
https://twitter.com/MSportLtd/status/812968881455243264

mjhickeyie

I think the fiesta is a stunning looking car. Malcom Wilson is some business man to have a team like this for next year, just hope the car is fast enough.

As much as I like Wilson, I'll be definitely hoping the Citroens are the strongest in 2017. Meeke has a great chance of being world champion. If Breen can be get a little faster & keep the consistency he has a chance of more podiums.

I think Neuville has finally got his speed back so he'll be strong next year too.

recyclebin

With new cars and new rules i just hope we have a competitive championship without one team dominating. We have had VW and Mercedes dominating WRC and F1 for the past few years and it hasnt been great for spectators.

h3000

mjhickeyie wrote: »

I think the fiesta is a stunning looking car. Malcom Wilson is some business man to have a team like this for next year, just hope the car is fast enough.

As much as I like Wilson, I'll be definitely hoping the Citroens are the strongest in 2017. Meeke has a great chance of being world champion. If Breen can be get a little faster & keep the consistency he has a chance of more podiums.

I think Neuville has finally got his speed back so he'll be strong next year too.

I'd like Citroën to win for the Irish connection but I'm a big M-Sport/Ford/Wilson fan so I'd like them to too. 2017 for M-Sport. The Irish boys can win after that.

CianDon

Anyone else heading to Monte to take in these new be-winged monsters in a few weeks?? Im heading over on my own, doind Dub-Nice on the Friday, and wouldn't mind jumping in with a crew heading over looking to share costs. I'll bring cookies hahaah

h3000

CianDon wrote: »

Anyone else heading to Monte to take in these new be-winged monsters in a few weeks?? Im heading over on my own, doind Dub-Nice on the Friday, and wouldn't mind jumping in with a crew heading over looking to share costs. I'll bring cookies hahaah

Oh I wish I was. Enjoy yourself. It might be worth your while asking over on http://www.motorsportforums.com/showthread.php?36898-Rally-Wrc-Monte-Carlo-2017

Robbo

Some interesting comments about the other cars recently from FX Demaison who designed the VW. He reckons they're too aggressive in the aero and the bits will all be broken off in 5 kms, making the cars a pig to drive for the rest of the loop.

The 2017 VW is much more conservative, if it ever sees a competitive stage.

h3000

Robbo wrote: »

Some interesting comments about the other cars recently from FX Demaison who designed the VW. He reckons they're too aggressive in the aero and the bits will all be broken off in 5 kms, making the cars a pig to drive for the rest of the loop.

The 2017 VW is much more conservative, if it ever sees a competitive stage.

The Citroën looks the tidiest of the cars now. Broken parts could really be a big issue. Some of the tidier drivers may excel.

h3000

Just noticed the link to the Hyundai is broken in post one. A mod might replace it with this if you get a chance.

Shannon757

Not long left to wait.

h3000

Jari-Matti starts off the year as only Jari-Matti can

https://twitter.com/TorAndreBorrese/status/821045415999107072

h3000

Shakedown has just kicked off at Monte Carlo. Only the first run through but the times are very interesting.

http://www.ewrc-results.com/shake.php?e=35143&t=Rallye-Automobile-de-Monte-Carlo-2017

mjhickeyie

Wilson & Mikkelsen will be very happy with that.

All drivers were saying during the week that conditions mean it will be more down to driver confidence than car performance this weekend.

h3000

mjhickeyie wrote: »

Wilson & Mikkelsen will be very happy with that.

All drivers were saying during the week that conditions mean it will be more down to driver confidence than car performance this weekend.

The R5 cars could be right up there if the conditions remain the same.

mjhickeyie

There are a few good pics at the bottom of that results page. Looks like very exciting conditions.

recyclebin

Who has the tv rights this year?

mjhickeyie

Back of Yaris looks crazy.

mjhickeyie

recyclebin wrote: »

Who has the tv rights this year?

Channel 5 have highlights again.

Red Bull TV will be showing live stages.

jelutong

Bt Sport showing 3 live stages. Thursday,Saturday and Sunday.
WRC+ ditto. Not sure if Red Bull have live coverage.

mjhickeyie

Red Bull apparently showing live stage on saturdays

jelutong

mjhickeyie wrote: »

Red Bull apparently showing live stage on saturdays

Correct. 10.50 am.

liam7831

Great coverage from BT so far didn't have it last yr had to rely on the rubbish Motors TV programmes couldnt even do the sound right

liam7831

Paddon rolled, stage 1

mjhickeyie

liam7831 wrote: »

Paddon rolled, stage 1

Looked nasty, hope everyone ok

afatbollix

Stage stopped and canceled.

Is this Group B back with a bang????

liam7831

Ah was very light roll id say he will be out again in the morning

JPF82

Stage cancelled due to s spectator injury. Fell down a cliff when Pardon rolled.

h3000

afatbollix wrote: »

Stage stopped and canceled.

Is this Group B back with a bang????

Ah now don't encourage people with that talk. That crash could have happened just the same in a R2 car

JPF82 wrote: »

Stage cancelled due to s spectator injury. Fell down a cliff when Pardon rolled.

Unfortunately from the in car it looks like the spectator was sitting on the outside of the corner taking pics and got hit and propelled by Hayden's car.

JPF82

h3000 wrote: »

Ah now don't encourage people with that talk. That crash could have happened just the same in a R2 car


Unfortunately from the in car it looks like the spectator was sitting on the outside of the corner taking pics and got hit and propelled by Hayden's car.

Ah sh!t. Hadn't seen any clips. Just Twitter reports. Hope the fan is OK.

ratedR

JPF82 wrote: »

Stage cancelled due to s spectator injury. Fell down a cliff when Pardon rolled.

It looks like Paddon actually hit the spectator (or more likely photographer) with the back of the car as he spun which threw him up onto the cliff, and then he fell back down again. Could possibly be a very serious incident.

mjhickeyie

ratedR wrote: »

It looks like Paddon actually hit the spectator (or more likely photographer) with the back of the car as he spun which threw him up onto the cliff, and then he fell back down again. Could possibly be a very serious incident.

That's what I thought I saw too. Hopefully he's ok

Grim.

Sad news

The Automobile Club de Monaco regrets to advise further details following incident of the car #4 (Paddon/Kennard) in SS 1.
The spectator was transported by helicopter from the stage to hospital in Nice. Despite the best efforts of the medical staff, the spectator has sadly died.
An investigation has commenced into the incident and all involved parties will provide assistance to the authorities.
Everyone associated with the event extends their deepest sympathies and condolences to the families, friends and individuals affected.

h3000

Really sad news. Condolences to all affected.

Robbo

A couple of general WRC notes.

As ever, there's a discount code for WRC+ so I'm letting my account expire (which thankfully runs until Monday) and re-upping on Monday for €40 instead of €50.

The other teams voted against the VWs being run privately, for now. I'd say some kind of compromise will be reached in the coming weeks but no clue as to who might run the team.

Even if he wasn't in the older car, Breen's setting some solid times this already. Keeping it on the road and a bit of luck could see a podium come round to him.

h3000

Robbo wrote: »

A couple of general WRC notes.

As ever, there's a discount code for WRC+ so I'm letting my account expire (which thankfully runs until Monday) and re-upping on Monday for €40 instead of €50.

The other teams voted against the VWs being run privately, for now. I'd say some kind of compromise will be reached in the coming weeks but no clue as to who might run the team.

Even if he wasn't in the older car, Breen's setting some solid times this already. Keeping it on the road and a bit of luck could see a podium come round to him.

Mine is up on Monday too and like yourself I'll renew then. People seem to think that a compromise should be met to allow a 'private' VW team.

Breen really has been impressive so far. Fingers crossed the rest of the weekend goes well for him, he has Hirvonen doing his gravel notes and has said it's really paying off. Meeke binned it again

h3000

A weekend to forget for Meeke
https://twitter.com/AbuDhabiRacing1/status/822866139676020737
https://twitter.com/AbuDhabiRacing1/status/822866151520825344

ratedR

h3000 wrote: »

A weekend to forget for Meeke
https://twitter.com/AbuDhabiRacing1/status/822866139676020737
https://twitter.com/AbuDhabiRacing1/status/822866151520825344

Breen can push a little tomorrow and possibly get a podium with the 2016 car.
Even if things stay as they are he's going to make Lefebvre and Meeke look a little amateur.

I'm genuinely starting to wonder if Meeke just has no luck or is as accident prone as his former mentor McRae. Without wanting to jinx Breen, he generally seems to be able to keep it out of the ditches.

h3000

Well Monte turned out to be a great rally bar Friday evenings tragedy. Absolutely delighted with the M-Sport win and happy to see Jari-Matti on the podium. I love to see him get back to his best.
Tanak's speed on the downhill section of the power stage was just unbelievable. He took took 32.4secs back from Sordo in 5.8km on the snow/ice and came across the finish line sideways to save his podium place.
Breen done a great job in the old DS3.

mjhickeyie

h3000 wrote: »

Well Monte turned out to be a great rally bar Friday evenings tragedy. Absolutely delighted with the M-Sport win and happy to see Jari-Matti on the podium. I love to see him get back to his best.
Tanak's speed on the downhill section of the power stage was just unbelievable. He took took 32.4secs back from Sordo in 5.8km on the snow/ice and came across the finish line sideways to save his podium place.
Breen done a great job in the old DS3.

Agree with all that.
I didn't think Tanak was going to make the finish line without going off. Great stuff.

Only saw Neuville's incident today. Very unlucky, he was only inches wide.

h3000

mjhickeyie wrote: »

Agree with all that.
I didn't think Tanak was going to make the finish line without going off. Great stuff.

Only saw Neuville's incident today. Very unlucky, he was only inches wide.

I'm still really impressed with what Tanak done. 32 seconds faster in less than six km is just crazy.

While Neuville was unlucky he was silly to be pushing it that much. His gravel crew had actually warned him that corner had got more slippery. I really like Neuville but he makes the silliest mistakes sometimes.